HAMPSHIRE batsman Kevin Pietersen was today handed the chance to play the country of his birth - after replacing Andrew Flintoff against South Africa A.

Former Kwa Zulu Natal batsman Pietersen was facing his compatriots just three months after qualifying to play for his adopted country.

The 24-year-old is expecting a hostile reception during the seven match one-day series - and in today's floodlit warm up match in Benoni, nr Johannesburg.

But he will be focused on deputising for the injured Flintoff after jumping to the head of the queue to replace the England all rounder during December's tour of Zimbabwe.

The power of Pietersen, who qualifies for England by virtue of his mother's birthplace, makes him a like-for-like fill-in at number five, although competition among bowlers means the off spinner is not guaranteed 10 overs each game.

England assistant coach Matthew Maynard said: "Kevin Pietersen did really well in Zimbabwe and slotted into the number five position quite comfortably there.

"He came in and showed a lot of promise and that is why he was called here. No doubt he will hold that position at the start of this tour. Freddie would be a key asset to any team, it would be like South Africa losing Jacques Kallis."

With captain Michael Vaughan and Ashley Giles on a couple of days well-earned leave and Steve Harmison's sore calf ruling him out of the equation, England will field quite a different side to that which is expected in the opener of the seven-match series on Sunday.

Only Marcus Trescothick, who will lead the team, and Geraint Jones, of those that played in the final Test, are likely to be involved with the duo also set to share wicketkeeping duties to lessen the load.

But England are set to field a similar side to that which won the Test series when the one day series begins in Johannesburg next week.

"Your best side should develop to play on any surface, whether abroad or at home," added Maynard. "You might find a place for another batting all-rounder if one emerged but I can't see the side changing too much here.

"I would anticipate us trying to win the series and then give everyone a go.

"We have 17 here because we have come out of a very tough Test series and with the odd niggle being carried it is important to have as many people as possible, particularly with seven matches in 14 days."